1.0   General

1.1)   What is the SSOA?
1.2)   Where can I find the latest version of this document?
1.3)   Where can I send comments, additions and corrections for the SSOA FAQ?
1.4)   What are some other sources of F-Body information?
1.5)   What is SLP?
1.6)   How can I identify an authentic SS?
1.7)   What is the chronology of a special order?
1.8)   How do I get information about my order?
1.9)   How do I find out my SS build number?
1.10)   How do I track a railcar?
1.11)   What kind of railcars are used?
1.12)   What is the Y2Y RPO?
1.13)   What information does the VIN number contain?
1.14)   How can I buy a factory service manual?

2.0   Interior

2.1)   Why is there a hump on the passenger side floor?
2.2)   Where did the redundant radio control steering wheel come from?
2.3)   How do I reset the "OIL CHANGE" light?
2.4)   What is the "black box?"
2.5)   Where is the black box located?

3.0   Exterior

3.1)   What is Zaino?
3.2)   What color are the SS emblems?

4.0   Engine

4.1)   What are the difference between the F-Body and Y-Body LS1 motors?
4.2)   What are the stock cam specs for the LS1 motors?
4.3)   Where is the LS1 motor built?
4.4)   How does the "GM Oil Life System" work?
4.5)   Where's a good place to install an engine oil temperature sensor?
4.6)   Where can I get a Mobil 1 oil filler cap?
4.7)   What is the new air pipe that goes to airbox on the 2000 SS?
4.8)   What happened to the exhaust manifolds on the 2000 SS?
4.9)   What is the intake manifold made from?
4.10)   Is it a good idea to remove the MAF screen?

5.0   Drive train

5.1)   What is CAGS?
5.2)   How can I defeat CAGS?
5.3)   Where did the RPO MN6 transmission come from?
5.4)   What is the difference between the Hurst factory and aftermarket shifters?
5.5)   What size threads are on the factory manual shifter lever?
5.6)   Should I use a gasket with the AAM differential cover?
5.7)   What is the grey sealant used on the AAM differential cover?
5.8)   What is the proper differential fill?
5.9)   What are the transmission ratios?

6.0   Suspension

6.1)   What are the differences between the Z28, SS, 1LE and SLP Y2Y Bilstein option?
6.2)   What wheels were available on the SS?
6.3)   Where did the 1996-1999 ZR1 style wheels come from?
6.4)   How much do ZR1 wheels weigh?
6.5)   How much do the 10 spoke wheels weigh?
6.6)   What is the proper wheel lug torque?

7.0   Electronics

7.1)   How can I tell if my car has keyless entry and alarm?
7.2)   What is the security LED telling me?
7.3)   Can I add a CD changer to my factory radio?
7.4)   What is AutoTap?

1.0   General

1.1)   What is the SSOA?

The Super Sport Owners Association exists to:

• To provide a sanctioned organization tasked with recording and disseminating information on all SLP modified Super Sport Camaros.

• To provide a registry of SLP SS owners by year and build number.

• To provide a forum in which our members may learn more about their own cars as well as other related F-Bodies from the basics of normal maintenance to high performance modifications.

• To provide a information resource to prospective buyers of new or used SLP SS vehicles.

1.2)   Where can I find the latest version of this document?

The latest version is always available from:

http://www.ssoa.net/perf_faq.shtml

1.3)   Where can I send comments, additions and corrections for the SSOA FAQ?

The best address to use is:

faq@ssoa.net

1.4)   What are some other sources of F-Body information?

1.5)   What is SLP?

Street Legal Performance (SLP) is responsible for the content of all SS Camaros. They design and manufacture certain parts of the SS such as the functional air induction hood and rear spoiler. They install these items at their factory and also perform upfits such as suspension, differential and exhaust upgrades.

The SLP assembly facility is located in LaSalle, Quebec, Canada.

1.6)   How can I identify an authentic SS?

The main visual cues of an SS are the functional air induction hood and revised rear spoiler. Also, all LS1 SS cars (1998 and up) have black tops. There are basically three kinds of SS tops:

• Transparent Removable Roof Panel (T-tops)

• Convertible

• Hardtop

In addition, a real SS will have the WU8 (SS Performance/Appearance Package) RPO code on the driver's side door sticker. An SS with optional SLP content will also have the Y2Y RPO. Cars with the Y2Y RPO also have a SLP sticker on the passenger door (1998 to 2000) or a a SLP sticker in the engine compartment (1996). This sticker will list all of the Y2Y options installed when the vehicle was altered by SLP.

1.7)   What is the chronology of a special order?

• Buyer negotiates a price with a dealer and makes a deposit

• Factory accepts an order from the dealer

• Dealer orders Y2Y options from SLP

• Vehicle is preferenced

• A target production week (TPW) is assigned

• Vehicle identification number (VIN) is assigned

• Vehicle is manufactured

• Factory notifies SLP

• SLP invoices dealer for Y2Y options

• Dealer pays SLP for Y2Y options

• Vehicle is transported to SLP

• SLP assigns an SS number

• SLP installs hood, spoiler, etc.

• SLP performs Y2Y upfits

• Vehicle is transported to factory

• Vehicle is loaded on a railcar

• Vehicle is unloaded at regional distribution yard

• Vehicle is transported to dealer

1.8)   How do I get information about my order?

Your dealer can call the Chevrolet Dealer Assistance line to request information such as:

• Target production week (TPW)

• Vehicle identification number (VIN)

• Railcar equipment tracking number

1.9)   How do I find out my SS build number?

For 1999 and up, go to the SLP Camaro web page:

http://www.slpeng.com/contact/index.html

Send an email asking for details..

For 1998 and older cars, call SLP (248-288-3066) with your VIN number.

1996 cars came with a numbered plaque on the glove compartment.

1.10)   How do I track a railcar?

Given an equipment number, most rail companies support "public equipment traces" from their websites:

1.11)   What kind of railcars are used?

Usually, F-Body's are transported on ETTX railcars. These are fully enclosed tri-level autoracks.

1.12)   What is the Y2Y RPO?

Y2Y is a Chevrolet no charge RPO that is required to order SLP optional content options. The available options were as follows:

2000:

• Auburn High Torque Performance Differential

• Performance Exhaust System with dual-dual outlets (330 Horsepower)

• 17" x 9" Chrome-Plated, Five-Spoke Aluminum Wheels

• Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension System

• Castrol "Syntec" High Performance Lubricants Package

• Premium front floor mats with embroidered Camaro SS logo

• Custom car cover with silk-screened Camaro SS graphics

• Camaro SS Key Fobs and (One) Dash Plaque

1999:

• Auburn High Torque Performance Differential

• Performance Exhaust System with dual-dual outlets (327 Horsepower)

• 17" x 9" Chrome-Plated, Five-Spoke Aluminum Wheels

• Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension System

• Castrol "Syntec" High Performance Lubricants Package

• Premium front floor mats with embroidered Camaro SS logo

• Custom car cover with silk-screened Camaro SS graphics

• Camaro SS Key Fobs and (One) Dash Plaque

1998:

• Auburn High Torque Performance Differential

• Torsen Performance Differential

• Performance Exhaust System with dual-dual outlets (327 Horsepower)

• Hurst six-speed short-throw shifter

• 17" x 9" Chrome-Plated, Five-Spoke Aluminum Wheels

• Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension System

• Castrol "Syntec" High Performance Lubricants Package

• Premium front floor mats with embroidered Camaro SS logo

• Custom car cover with silk-screened Camaro SS graphics

• Camaro SS Key Fobs and (One) Dash Plaque

1997:

• Torsen Performance Differential

• Performance Exhaust System with dual-dual outlets

• Synthetic lubricants Package

• Hurst six-speed short-throw shifter

• Level 2 performance suspension

• Level 3 performance suspension

• Engine oil cooler

• R1 tires

• Premium front floor mats with embroidered Camaro SS logo

1996:

• Performance Exhaust System with dual-dual outlets

• Torsen Performance Differential

• Synthetic lubricants Package

• Hurst six-speed short-throw shifter

• Performance suspension

• Engine oil cooler

• R1 tires

• Premium front floor mats with embroidered Camaro SS logo

1.13)   What information does the VIN number contain?

1.14)   How can I buy a factory service manual?

Factory service manuals are available from your dealer and also directly from the publisher, Helm Incorporated:

http://www.helminc.com/

2.0   Interior

2.1)   Why is there a hump on the passenger side floor?

The hump on the passenger side floor makes space for the catalytic converter. Although the passenger side converter on the V8 was relocated for the 1996 model year, the hump is still needed for the six cylinder model.

2.2)   Where did the redundant radio control steering wheel come from?

The optional leather wrapped steering wheel with redundant radio controls on the 2000 Camaro was borrowed from the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

2.3)   How do I reset the "OIL CHANGE" light?

There are two ways to reset the "GM Oil Life System" after changing the engine oil and filter. The first method comes from the owners manual:

• Turn the ignition on (but don't start the engine)

• Press the "TRIP/OIL RESET" button on the instrument panel for at least 12 seconds

Unfortunately, using this also resets the trip odometer. Here is a method that avoids this problem:

• Turn the ignition on (but don't start the engine)

• Depress the the accelerator to the floor three times

• Complete this sequence within five seconds

In both cases, if the "OIL CHANGE" lamp was on, it will flash and go off to confirm the reset. If the lamp was not on, there is no indication that the reset was successful.

2.4)   What is the "black box?"

The "black box" is a device that records automotive crash data.

It's called a black box because because it performs some of the same functions as the "flight data recorders" used in passenger airlines. (Those are called black boxes because at one time they were black.) At the time of an event that triggers the airbags, the SDM stores the previous five seconds worth of the following information:

• Acceleration/deceleration

• Vehicle speed

• Engine speed

• Throttle position

• Brake use

• Driver's belt switch

The information, which can be read using a PC and appropriate interface hardware and software, is permanently stored and cannot be erased.

2.5)   Where is the black box located?

The "Sensing Diagnostic Module" (SDM) is a small silver box located in the center console just forward of the console storage compartment.

3.0   Exterior

3.1)   What is Zaino?

Zaino is a showcar grade polish that many F-Body owners favor. It's available directly from the manufacturer:

http://www.zainobros.com/

In Canada, it is available from Crown Auto Emporim Ltd:

http://members.home.net/michadam/

3.2)   What color are the SS emblems?

Black SS's get red emblems; all other SS's get black emblems.

4.0   Engine

4.1)   What are the difference between the F-Body and Y-Body LS1 motors?

The main differences are that the F-Body (Camaro/Firebird) has a more restrictive exhaust and the Y-Body (Corvette) has a milder cam. Also, the F-Body has a throttle cable and an EGR valve; the Y-Body has a "fly-by-wire" throttle and no EGR.

4.2)   What are the stock cam specs for the LS1 motors?

(1997-2000 specs)

4.3)   Where is the LS1 motor built?

All LS1 motors are built at the Romulus, Michigan engine assembly plant.

4.4)   How does the "GM Oil Life System" work?

The computer keeps track of RPM's, engine temperature and run time and uses heuristics to estimate when the oil should be changed. At somewhere between 3000 and 7500 miles (less than 3000 if you drive more aggressively), it illuminates the "OIL CHANGE" light indicating it's time to change the engine oil and filter.

Internally, the engine oil life value is stored as a percentage. It starts at 100.0 and goes down. When it goes below 11.0, the computer turns on the "OIL CHANGE" light.

One problem with the system is that since there is no engine oil temperature input to the computer, the engine oil temperature is a calculated value and may not accurately reflect the actual engine oil temperature. Cars equipped with engine oil temperature gauges show that the oil temperature can exceed coolant temperature by 20° F in some circumstances. Also, the system can't know about dust and other external contaminates that may find their way into the oil.

4.5)   Where's a good place to install an engine oil temperature sensor?

The LS1 motor has provisions for an external oil cooler; there is an aluminum cover located directly above the oil filter that is used in non-external cooler applications. The Y-Body (Corvette) has an oil temperature gauge and so the Y-Body version of this cover (GM 12551587) is an obvious candidate. However, the Y-Body sender uses metric 12x1.5 threads and aftermarket senders such as the one that comes with the AutoMeter 2638 engine oil temperature gauge are usually 1/8 inch pipe thread. Luckily, there is enough difference between metric 12x1.5 and 1/4 pipe thread that you can drill out the Y-Body cover to 7/16 inch and tap it 1/4 pipe. Then you can install the sender with a 1/4 to 1/8 inch pipe reducer (available at most hardware stores). You may want to re-tap the reducer so that the sensor sits lower.

You can also just drill and tap the stock F-Body (Camaro/Firebird) cover (GM ????????). This appears to be an unmachined version of the Y-Body cover.

When installing the sender into the aluminum cover, use a sensor safe sealant and avoid over tightening as it's possible to split the cover with the pipe thread's ever-increasing thread. (This isn't a problem with the Y-Body sensor since it uses straight cut metric threads.)

It should not normally be necessary to replace the cover gasket (GM 12553210). It's a nice piece with a rubber gasket molded to an aluminum flange.

4.6)   Where can I get a Mobil 1 oil filler cap?

The 1996 Y-Body (Corvette) oil filler cap (GM 12555685) fits the 1999 through 2000 F-Body (Camaro/Firebird). It is embossed with:

ENGINE OIL
SAE
5W-30
Mobil 1
FACTORY FILL
NOTICE
SEE OWNERS MANUAL
SPECIAL ENGINE OIL REQUIRED

4.7)   What is the new air pipe that goes to airbox on the 2000 SS?

This is input for the air pump. When the engine is warming up, clean air is pulled from the air box to the air pump. Prior to 2000, air was pulled from a short pipe on the air pump.

4.8)   What happened to the exhaust manifolds on the 2000 SS?

In 2000, Chevrolet switched from double walled sheet metal headers to cast iron exhaust manifolds. Speculation as why this change was made includes:

• Improved reliability (cast iron is more durable)

• Lower cost

• LEV-2000 (cast iron tolerates the higher engine temperature 2000's run at)

2000 SS owners have reported dyno RWHP numbers similar to or higher than 1999 SS cars. Although the cast iron manifolds are more restrictive than the units they replaced, year 2000 cars also go a new less restrictive passenger's side catalytic convertor.

4.9)   What is the intake manifold made from?

The LS1 intake manifold is injection molded by BASF using their Ultramid A3HG7, a lightweight glass fiber reinforced nylon.

4.10)   Is it a good idea to remove the MAF screen?

Not if you don't know what you're doing! The screen on the mass air flow (MAF) sensor exists to reduce turbulence and create laminar air flow. Turbulent air doesn't mix with fuel as well. Removing the screen will also cause your MAF sensor to report incorrect data and impact your driveability. Unless you are changing heads, cam, etc. you should probably leave the MAF screen alone.

5.0   Drive train

5.1)   What is CAGS?

Computer aided gear selection is a hack that was invented to help raise fuel mileage ratings. It is implemented with a computer controlled solenoid that is used to lock out second and third gears. The system "kicks" in when the following conditions are met:

• Engine coolant is 170° F or higher

• Speed between 15 and 20 MPH

• Throttle between 0 and 35%

During the lockout, a dashboard light that says "SKIP SHIFT" is illuminated and you are supposed to shift from 1st directly to 4th. There is apparently no timeout; that is, the lockout continues as long as the above conditions persist.

5.2)   How can I defeat CAGS?

Prior to 1996 when OBD-II went into effect, one could simply unplug the CAGS solenoid connector to defeat it.

OBD-II is required to detect failures that impact emissions, so disconnecting the CAGS solenoid on a 1996 or newer T56 transmission car will cause a Service Emissions System (SES) warning light. A number of companies (including Chevrolet) sell !CAGS kits. The kit consists of a connector with 24 ohm resistor potted in it that simulates the electrical load of the solenoid.

A cheap alternative to the !CAGS kit is to insert an appropriately valued 1/2 watt resistor into the wiring harness connector and taping it up with electrical tape.

5.3)   Where did the RPO MN6 transmission come from?

The T56 six speed manual transmission came from the 1989 Corvette ZR1 package. It was manufactured by Borg-Warner until they sold their transmission business in 1998. Tremec now builds the T56 in Mexico.

5.4)   What is the difference between the Hurst factory and aftermarket shifters?

The optional Hurst factory shifter is laser cut from a stamped steel stock. The shift lever has a rubber isolator to reduces noise and vibration. The Hurst Billet Plus aftermarket shifter is machined from 6061 T-6 billet aluminum. It features a relocated pivot point that results in a shorter throw and adjustable stops.

5.5)   What size threads are on the factory manual shifter lever?

The stock shifter lever users metric M16x1.5 threads.

5.6)   Should I use a gasket with the AAM differential cover?

Using a gasket with the American Axle and Manufacturing will defeat the oil circulation feature of the cover and is not recommended. It's probably possible to cut holes in the GM gasket but that is not recommended either.

5.7)   What is the grey sealant used on the AAM differential cover?

SLP uses a sealant is called Three Bond 1216; it is imported by Three Bond of America, Inc. It is a high temperature, non-hardening product that and is not adversely affected by the GM Lubrizol differential additive.

Three Bond does not market this product directly. However it is available from a Suzuki motorcycle or car dealer. They call it Suzuki 1216 (part number 99104-31160).

5.8)   What is the proper differential fill?

According to the Camaro owners manual, the Torsen limited slip differential uses 2 quarts of synthetic 75W-90 oil (GM part number 12378261 or equivalent) and 4 ounces of GM Limited-Slip Differential Lubricant Additive (aka Lubrizol, GM part number 1052358).

According to the SLP owners insert, the Auburn uses 2 quarts of non-synthetic 80W-90 oil and 2 ounces of Lubrizol.

In both cases, the Lubrizol friction modifier is only used to reduce noise from the differential. However, leaving it out may affect your warranty.

5.9)   What are the transmission ratios?

The ratios for the RPO MN6 Borg Warner T56 six speed manual are as follows:

The ratios for the RPO MX0 4L60E four speed electronic automatic are as follows:

6.0   Suspension

6.1)   What are the differences between the Z28, SS, 1LE and SLP Y2Y Bilstein option?

The base 1999-2000 Camaro Z28 has:

• 16x8 wheels with bolt-on wheel covers

• P215/60R-16 touring tires

• front springs: 292 lb/in (49 N/mm)

• front sway bar: 30mm (tube)

• rear springs: 114 lb/in (20 N/mm)

• rear sway bar: 15mm

• 16.9:1 steering ratio (2.67 turns lock-to-lock)

Z28 adds/changes:

• 16x8 cast aluminum painted wheels

• P235/55R-16 touring tires

• front sway bar: 30mm (tube)

• 14.4:1 steering ratio (2.28 turns lock-to-lock)

1LE (not available with CC1 removable roof panels) adds/changes:

• Z-rated tires

• front shocks: Koni double adjustable

• front springs: 360 lb/in (63 N/mm)

• front sway bar: 32mm (tube)

• stiffer front upper and lower control arm bushings

• rear shocks: Koni double adjustable

• rear springs: 130-180 lb/in (23-32 N/mm)

• rear sway bar: 19mm

• stiffer rear lower control arm bushings

• stiffer panhard bar bushings

• stiffer transmission mount (manual only)

SS adds/changes:

• 17x9 cast aluminum painted wheels

• 275/40ZR-17 Goodyear F1 tires

• front shocks: deCarbon 46mm

• front springs: 360 lb/in (63 N/mm)

• front sway bar: 32mm (tube)

• rear shocks: deCarbon 36mm

• rear springs: 130-180 lb/in (23-32 N/mm)

• rear sway bar: 19mm

SLP Y2Y Bilstein option (not available on the SS convertible) adds/changes:

• front shocks: Bilstein B46-2071 46mm (with special SLP valving)

• front springs: Eibach 300-450 lb/in (53-79 N/mm)

• rear shocks: Bilstein B46-1914 46mm

• rear springs: Eibach 115-185 lb/in (20-32 N/mm)

• stiffer rear lower control arm bushings

6.2)   What wheels were available on the SS?

6.3)   Where did the 1996-1999 ZR1 style wheels come from?

The five-spoke cast aluminum, painted ZR-1 style wheels came from the 1994-1996 ZR1 Corvette. The Corvette version were 17x9.5 on the front and 17x11 on the rear. The F-Body version (GM 9592880) is 17x9.5 all the way around.

6.4)   How much do ZR1 wheels weigh?

The 17x9.5 rims weight 21 lbs.

6.5)   How much do the 10 spoke wheels weigh?

The 2000 SS 17x9.5 rims weight 19 lbs.

6.6)   What is the proper wheel lug torque?

According to the Camaro owners manual, the proper torque is 100 lb-ft (140 N-m).

7.0   Electronics

7.1)   How can I tell if my car has keyless entry and alarm?

Assuming you don't have the transmitter key fobs that lock/unlock the doors, the first thing to check for is the alarm LED on the the dash board vent.

You can also look for RPOs AU0 (remote entry lock control) and UA6 (theft deterrent system) on the drivers side door.

Finally you can enter the programming mode, as per the owner's manual:

• Turn the key to run and then back to off

• Remove the radio fuse (#17)

• Turn the key to ACC

Count the number of chimes. If you hear 2, you have keyless entry/theft prevention. If you hear 1, you don't. To exit programming mode:

• Turn the key to off

• Replace the radio fuse (#17)

7.2)   What is the security LED telling me?

If you have the Content Theft Deterrent (CTD) system (RPO UA6), then there is a security LED on the right side of the vent on the dash board. The LED indicates the status of the CTD:

1. The LED flashes once per second with a door open and the CTD system unarmed.

2. The LED is on steady when the CTD system is waiting for the doors to close before arming.

3. The LED flashes briefly every two seconds when the CTD system is armed.

4. The LED flashes twice every two secnods when the CTD system has sounded the alarm due to an impact to the vehicle.

5. The LED flashes three times every two seconds when the CTD system has sounded the alarm due to the opening of a door or the rear compartment.

6. The LED is off when the CTD system is off, disarmed, or the vehicle doors are open for longer than ten minutes.

7.3)   Can I add a CD changer to my factory radio?

If you have an early production 1999 or any earlier year, you must have the in-dash cassette. Otherwise, you can add the Delco 12 disc changer to either the in-dash CD or cassette.

7.4)   What is AutoTap?

AutoTap is a package that lets you use a PC as a OBD-II scantool. It works with most OBD-II cars (1996 and up). It consists of a converter module and software. The converter translates between the SAE J1850 under dash connector on your car and the serial port on your PC.

Many F-Body owners find AutoTap an invaluable tool when performing engine modifications. The system allows you examine engine parameters in real time and also store them to a logfile for later analysis.

For more information AutoTap please see:

http://www.autotap.com/

It's available directly from the manufacturer as well as most local and on-line speed shops.